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A bedside commode is essentially a freestanding toilet chair that isn’t connected to a plumbing system. These products are designed for adults and children who are very old, disabled or confined to a bed. They are also used by people who, for some reason, may not manage to walk swiftly to the restroom when nature calls. A bedside commode has a detachable basin that acts as a toilet bowl.
As you can possibly imagine, there are numerous manufacturers out there that deal in the design, development, and sale of bedside commodes. While getting a wide range of options is often a good thing, it can also make the purchase decision quite complicated. What features should you look out for? Which materials are the best? What is the ideal size? Our detailed guide will help you find answers to these questions and even outline the best makes to consider.
Cons
The Drive Medical 11148-1 Steel Folding Bedside Commode comes with snap-buttons that can help one open the entire commode for use or fold it down for transportation or storage. The commode has a steel-welded frame, powder-coated lid, and a high-quality, sturdy, plastic snap-on seat. For added user comfort, the commode comes with plastic arms and a splash shield. The detachable handle has a useful carry handle. At the bottom, an elastic cord allows one to fold the commode’s legs, further reducing its form factor when storing or transporting it.
The Drive Medical 11148-1 Steel Folding Bedside Commode measures 22.5 inches from end to end and 18 inches between the arms. The commode seat is 13.5 inches wide, and the bucket has a capacity of 7.5 quarts. The commode’s entire structure can support a person weighing up to 350 pounds.
The only significant misgiving with the Drive Medical 11148-1 Steel Folding Bedside Commode is its overly narrow seat that might be less than suitable for large-bodied people.
Cons
The Medline Heavy Duty Padded Drop-Arm Commode features high-quality construction, making it ideal for heavy or wide-bodied people. The commode’s arms can be swung outwards for outstandingly easy lateral transfers from or to the seat. The commode has a weight capacity of 159 kilograms (350 pounds) and has an adjustable seat height that ranges between 41 and 64 centimeters. The entire structure is 56 centimeters wide and 47 centimeters wide between both arms. Keep in mind that there is a non-padded version of this commode but with a slightly lesser weight capacity.
The Medline Heavy Duty Padded Drop-Arm Commode’s arms swing down with the push of a button, giving easy access to the seat. Additionally, the padded seat provides unrivaled comfort regardless of the user’s weight. The foam hand grips on the sides are made from a non-slip material, enhancing the commode’s overall safety. The backrest on this commode is also easily removable if one wants to use the frame as an over-the-toilet accessory. The unit also comes with the usual commode accessories such as a splashguard, lid, and pail.
The only qualm with the Medline Heavy Duty Padded Drop-Arm Commode is its poor-quality armrest hinges. While everything else feels well-made, these hinges almost feel like an after-thought.
Cons
The MedPro Comfort Plus Commode Chair was designed with comfort and efficiency in mind. The most noticeable comfort feature is the curved seat, which, as the manufacturer states, is 20% larger than other homecare commodes available in the market. The commode also features a flexible frame design, making it ideal for use as an over-the-toilet frame. The built-in splash guard helps minimize the individual pieces used for assembly, resulting in a super sturdy unit.
This commode’s pail features a bedpan removal and insertion mechanism for enhanced flexibility during cleaning and setting up. The seat sides have handgrips attached to them to keep the user’s hands as far off from the waste on the pail as possible. Unlike other commodes with flat seats, this one comes with an ergonomically curved seat, resulting in less strain on the user’s back.
Quality-wise, the MedPro Comfort Plus Commode Chair’s frame is made from steel, an alloy known for its durability, sturdiness, and rust-resistance. The commode’s seat can be adjusted across seven different levels ranging from 16 to 22 inches. Still, with all of its features, the entire unit can be easily assembled without the need for tools. If you intend to purchase an extremely versatile bedside commode, you will most certainly appreciate this unit’s 3-in-1 design. It can be used as a raised toilet seat, toilet safety frame, or bedside commode.
Buyers of this commode will also notice the ease of cleaning due to the few pieces used in making the commode. The single biggest misgiving with the MedPro Comfort Plus Commode Chair is its somewhat shallow pail that might not work for everyone.
Cons
The Medline Elements Bedside Commode with Antimicrobial Protection is arguably the best-looking in its product class. If an item’s aesthetic appeal ranks high in your buying decision, then this bedside commode is among the best options you can consider. First, this unit features a dark bronze finish, a welcome departure from the oh-so-common white. The seat has a contoured finish with muted colors that can easily fit any household’s color scheme. The manufacturer says that the design and the colors are meant to make your house look like a home, not a hospital. Frankly, we couldn’t agree more.
The backrest, armrests, and seats are all adjustable using a combination of knobs and buttons to suit the user’s needs. Besides the conventional commode functions, this unit also features Microban Antimicrobial Technology that prevents bacteria’s growth and inhibits the effects of stains, mold, and mildew. The tech is built into the commode during its manufacture and will therefore not wash off during routine cleaning. With the Medline Elements Bedside Commode, the user is assured of continued microbial protection. However, do not use the commode as a substitute for your regular protection against germs, viruses, bacteria, or other disease-causing organisms.
The seat adjusts in increments of 0.5 inches, allowing any user to find the height that provides optimum comfort. A flat lid covers the pail section when not in use, resulting in a discreet unit that does not stand out too much. The Medline Elements Bedside Commode can also be used as a toilet seat, during which the included splash guard really helps.
Unlike most bedside commodes with a 350-pound weight capacity, the Medline Elements Bedside Commode can support a person weighing up to 400 pounds, making it better suited for seniors weighing above 350 pounds. The only noticeable downside with the unit is its seat, which is a tad too high for short users.
Cons
The Medline MDS89664KDMBG Steel 3-in-1 Bedside Commode, as its name suggests, can be used in three different configurations; a bedside commode, over-the-toilet seat, or as a safety rail around a conventional toilet. Additional accessories include a clip-on lid and seat, bucket, and splash guard. The armrests, bucket, chair, and lid have a built-in antimicrobial technology that protects the surfaces from mold, mildew, odors, and stains.
The Medline MDS89664KDMBG Steel 3-in-1 Bedside Commode comes with a push-button height adjustment, tool-free assembly, disposable liners (sold separately), and anti-slip rubber feet. The commode’s frame can support a person weighing up to 350 pounds, which is pretty much the industry standard. The unit measures 48 centimeters between the arms, 54 centimeters wide, and has a 42-57 centimeters seat range. Keep in mind that the antimicrobial protection mentioned earlier is only meant for the commode’s surfaces and does not shield users against bacterial, viruses, or other pathogens. The single biggest downside with the Medline MDS89664KDMBG Steel 3-in-1 Bedside Commode is its overly small seat unsuitable for large people.
A bedside commode should make the user’s life significantly easier. Unfortunately, purchasing the wrong commode can have the exact opposite effect and overly complicate the user’s life. Attributes such as ease of use and comfort, among others, are essential when choosing a bariatric commode. Luckily, we can help you get the ideal commode by detailing the vital factors to consider before making your order.
Comfort is one of the most critical factors you should consider. The reason for this is the significant time that a user spends on the commode. While it is often in intervals, the total time spent on a commode each day is not negligible. Ideally, a good commode should have a comfortable seat (padded if possible) and a highly adjustable frame. The armrests, seat, and backrest should all be easily adjustable so that the users can find the ideal spot for their height.
You wouldn’t want to purchase a commode that wobbles and shakes when someone sits on it. This is why you should only purchase a unit made from rigid, strong, and sturdy materials. Normally, common metal alloys such as stainless-steel should be sturdy enough for a well-designed bedside commode. However, do not forget that factors such as joinery will also affect a commode’s overall sturdiness. Go for commodes whose joints are well welded or bolted together.
Due to their significant sizes and form factors, most bedside commodes require the buyer to carry out some assembly procedures after purchase. While it is easy to overlook this attribute, an easy-to-assemble commode makes it possible to clean, repair, disassemble and reassemble the entire unit without calling for professional assistance. If the commode’s user is always on the move, this assembly attribute is fundamental. Additionally, you should also ensure that the commode you buy can be easily folded for transport and storage.
If you have lived with a person who uses a commode, you know that it’s important to maintain the highest hygiene standards for them. Most commodes have detachable pails that need to be frequently cleaned. This means that the pail needs to be easily removable and cleanable. Additionally, the entire commode should have easy-to-reach surfaces for the frequent cleaning and disinfecting routines. Avoid units with deep grooves or notches, since these will only result in problems when it comes to cleaning.
If you have been experiencing challenges choosing the perfect bariatric bedside commode, this guide can hopefully come to your rescue. The purchase decision should not be overly complicated, especially after considering the pre-purchase factors mentioned above. To make the decision even easier, feel free to choose one of the five top commodes discussed earlier.
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